From the Principals' Desk

Congratulations Class of 2018

This week marks the last few days of the VCAA Year 12 Final Examination period.

Over recent days many Year 12 students have expressed their relief in making it through this demanding period and their excitement that their exams are finally over. Other students have experienced a sense of uncertainty because they are no longer secondary school students and don’t know what to do with all their spare time. I congratulate all students who studied a Unit 3&4 subject this year and I wish them every success when their results are released in mid-December.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Ms Warriner for her leadership of the VCE students throughout the year. Additionally, I formally acknowledge the dedication and hard work of all staff at Nossal High School. Year 12 is the culmination of many years of formal education and individual success is dependent on the support and assistance that students have received throughout their formal education.

I look forward to celebrating the graduation of the Class of 2018 with the students, their families and staff at the Valedictory Dinner on Thursday 22 November.

Nossal examinations

On Friday 16 November the examination period for Nossal students in Years 9-11 began. Understandably, exams can be a stressful time for students, however they are extremely important in providing opportunity for students to practice and refine their revision skills, manage the use of their exam time to complete all sections of the paper and in providing specific feedback on their strengths and areas requiring further improvement. I encourage students to manage their health and wellbeing during this time – ensuring that they are getting enough sleep, eating a balanced and healthy diet and participating in relaxation activities or exercise each day.

"What makes a Smart City" Project?

Last term several Year 9 students participated in the FedUni Casey Leadership Project, “What makes a Smart City?”  The project required teams of students to research the concept of Smart Cities; identifying a business, education, health or environmental issue specific to the Casey Council and designing their own technological solution to resolve the issue. One team consisting of Nalini Jacob-roussety, Nadia Hakzikadic, Deetya Kannan and Milni Abeysekara were successfully named in the final six teams. The girls focused specifically on education and presented their contention on the importance of addressing the individual learning needs for all students in the City of Casey. Their presentation reflected on the unique, multicultural and diverse population and technological apps that are available to support the understanding of these groups, particularly in translating materials into other languages. The girls were acknowledged by the panel, consisting of academics representing Federation University and Councillors representing the City of Casey, for their articulate and powerfully executed arguments, re-enacting a Council meeting. The girls will provide wonderful mentoring for the team entering into the competition in 2019. I would also like to congratulate all Year 9 students who engaged in this project.

City Week "Best of the Best"

City Week is a significant project based, student-directed activity that all Year 9 students engaged in during Term 3. As part of this project, teams of students decide on a research question that they are interested in and would like to investigate further. They then use the information that they gathered during their week in the city to produce a slick, informative and interesting 10-minute video presentation to share with their peers showcasing what they learnt about Melbourne in response to their initial research question.

Mr Page, Mr Butler and I were invited to judge the four finalists for the “Best of the Best” video. Each of the finalists did an outstanding job in presenting their investigation, applying excellent technical skills in cutting together video footage. Congratulation to Nalini, Deetya, Milni and Martin for winning over each of the judges. Their presentation focusing on the question of homelessness showed great empathy and was of a quality that could be shown on television. It succinctly and concisely tied together their research and the interview footage that they gathered talking to the people of Melbourne. Their use of experts in the video and incorporation of the groups who support homelessness including Susan Alberti, the staff from the City of Melbourne Council, Orange Sky and Ardoch were indicative of the depth the students took in thoroughly investigating the issue.

Upcoming Events

Please note the upcoming events in the Nossal Calendar:

The Year 12 Valedictory Dinner will be held on Thursday 22 November commencing at 6.30pm at the Melbourne Park Function Centre. Ticket sales have now closed. For students and their families who will be attending please ensure that you bring your ticket with you and refer to the specific information relating to where to park. I trust that it will be a wonderful opportunity for our Nossal graduates to celebrate the end of their secondary education with their families and to thank them for their support throughout their schooling.

The Nossal  High School Speech Night will be held on Tuesday 27 November. Please note due to the changed venue this year at the Melbourne Town Hall, there will be no scheduled classes at Nossal on this day. Please watch for an important email, being sent to all families, containing details of arrangements for the day.  This is an important event on the Nossal calendar and all students are expected to attend. Student's attendance will be recorded on their arrival by staff at the Melbourne Town Hall for both the rehearsal session and the evening program.

Tickets are still available for parents and families (at no cost) and these can be reserved at:  https://www.trybooking.com/YYBG   

Due to the late evening finish of Speech Night, class times have been adjusted on Wednesday 28 November. Students will be required to attend Tutorial commencing at 10:48am.  The day will comprise a four period day and conclude at 3:20pm.

Goodbye and Thank you

As this is my final report from the Principal’s desk, I would like to take the opportunity to sincerely thank all members of the Nossal community – staff, students, parents, families and the organisations who support Nossal – for welcoming me as a fellow Nossalonian. Throughout this year in the role of Acting Assistant Principal, I have experienced first-hand the positive, vibrant and dynamic culture of the school. Nossal is a unique and busy school, evident through the numerous school-wide, student-focussed events that occur throughout the year including the Foundation Assembly, the House Performing Arts Festival and Information Evenings. I have appreciated each of these occasions and have witnessed first-hand how they act to strengthen the feelings of membership, developing a deeply embedded pride in belonging to the Nossal community. These experiences throughout the year have provided me with a renewed perspective, energy and skills that will guide me in my role when I return to my base school.

Nossal High School, whilst being a very young school, has been able to grow and thrive under the leadership of Mr Roger Page. He has captured the spirit of staff and students, their deep love of learning and their desire to succeed and support the wider community. I have been amazed and excited by the passion and commitment of Nossal students to be actively involved in all opportunities that are presented, observing their development into mature, well-rounded adults, with an array of skills necessary to thrive in the world.  Nossal High School is a testament to the School’s Vision in “being an innovative, inclusive and dynamic educational environment….challenged to be creative and critical thinkers with good communication skills and the resilience necessary to succeed in an ever-changing world….building skills, self-confidence, leadership abilities and community spirit through a rigorous, rich and varied curricular and co-curricular program….to create ambitious, ethical and responsible citizens who conduct themselves with humility and compassion”.

Again, I thank all members of the community for their open acceptance and hospitality. I look forward to following the journey of Nossal High School in embracing the challenges of this very exciting period of education in Victoria, and their continued engagement and leadership within the community. I look forward to when our paths cross again.

Fiona Vanstan

Assistant Principal